AUSTIN – The Roman Catholic Diocese of Austin has issued a statement regarding the death of two Bryan Firefighters and the recovery of their two injured comrades:

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Austin is thankful to the Bryan Fire Department and the College Station Fire Department and all those who assisted in responding to the fire at the Knights of Columbus Hall on February 15, 2013. We were saddened to hear about the death of two Bryan firefighters and injuries to two other firefighters while battling the fire.

Lt. Eric Wallace, of the Bryan Fire Department, was killed while fighting the fire in the 1500 block of Groesbeck Drive late Friday night. Lt. Gregory W. Pickard died Saturday from injuries he sustained while fighting the fire. Firefighter Ricky D. Mantey Jr. and Probationary Firefighter Mitchel S. Moran were injured in the fire.

We offer prayers for Lt. Eric Wallace and Lt. Gregory W. Pickard and their families and for the firefighters who were injured. We offer our most sincere condolences to Lt. Wallace’s widow, and his five children; as well as Lt. Pickard’s family and to the Bryan Fire Department.

More information on the fires can be found by clicking on the links below.